UN Security Council to hold first poll in race to replace Guterres when he steps down this year

The UN Security Council conducted its initial informal "straw poll" on Thursday to evaluate support for seven candidates vying to succeed António Guterres as UN head. Guterres is stepping down at the end of the year after two five-year terms. The candidates, from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Senegal, and Uganda, are seeking to revitalize an organization facing calls for reform. These closed-door ballots allow the 15 Security Council members to indicate whether they "encourage," "discourage," or have "no opinion" on each candidate. Subsequent rounds of polling are expected, potentially continuing through the summer, with later stages distinguishing votes from the five permanent veto-wielding members. The Security Council will ultimately recommend an appointment to the 193-member UN General Assembly.